Temporary Pedestrian Access Route (TPAR)

For more info

What is a TPAR?

When pedestrian facilities are impacted due to maintenance or construction, pedestrian accommodations must be provided to the maximum extent feasible. These accommodations may be made detectable and must have accessibility features up to the level of the disturbed route. Signage and devices, as necessary, must be provided to direct pedestrians safely through the work zone. A TPAR is a temporary pedestrian route that is fully accessible and meets the standards and guidelines.

Background

The need to create an inclusive environment for pedestrian facilities is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (particularly in Title II and Title III). In order to accomplish this, MnDOT has chosen to adopt the guidelines published

Workshop and demonstration

In June 2010, MnDOT, partnered with ATSSA (American Traffic Safety Services Association) and Northland Chapter of ATSSA, conducted a training session to discuss the latest standards for providing TPAR facilities through work zone areas. The two day event also included a TPAR device demonstration and provided an opportunity for people with disabilities to talk about the issues for disabled pedestrians in work zones. Attendees included representatives from several stakeholder groups including disabled pedestrians and/or their representatives, manufacturers of devices, public agencies responsible for pedestrian facilities, private contractors and engineering organizations. Read more about the workshop.

Standards and guidelines

The first three documents below summarize and include graphical representations of the more detailed information in PROWAG and the Minnesota MUTCD.

TPAR Layouts (84a&b and 85a&b) in the 2014 Temporary Traffic Control Zone Layouts Field Manual
(Short-term Work Zones – 3 days or less)

TPAR Layouts (6J-24a&b and 6J-25a&b) in the Minnesota MUTCD
(Long Term Work Zones – greater than 3 days)

Attended vs. unattended

From MN MUTCD 6D.1 (Pedestrian Considerations): If an existing pedestrian route is impacted by a short-term or short duration work zone that is attended with project personnel, establishing an alternate pedestrian route may not be necessary if the work can be stopped and pedestrians can navigate the work zone safely. Pedestrians may be delayed for a short period of time for project personnel to move equipment and material to facilitate passage. Project personnel may also assist pedestrians with disabilities.